If we had to list the top three de-stress strategies, we’d probably say vacation, exercise and any form of meditation. So, why not put that trio together? Whether you want to round out 2017 feeling super fresh or start off the New Year with a clear mind and renewed drive, we rounded up the best places to find the ultimate stress-relieving schedules. Try something new — from hiking to rock climbing to SUP — then head back inside to relax and recover. And if these mind-body offerings aren’t tempting enough, each resort boasts beautiful lodgings and Instagram-worthy views. Permission to indulge in some serious R&R.
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These 10 Wellness Hotels Have the Perfect De-Stress Itineraries
1. Amira Resort
Location: St. George, UT
Cost: from $229/night
Move Your Body: If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting a national park, this destination is for you. It’s planted near three big-time attractions: Zion National Park (less than an hour), Bryce Canyon National Park (just over two hours) and the Grand Canyon (two-and-a-half hours). The best part, though, is that the resort offers private hikes at these jaw-dropping locales, all hosted by a local guide. You can also opt for mountain biking or rappelling in a nearby canyon. Any activity you choose, you’ll walk away with an unforgettable experience.
Relax Your Mind: After climbing mountains, return to the resort for a rejuvenating spa treatment. Take your pick between three mind-body offerings: “The Awakening” to balance your chakras, “The Journey” complete with gentle drumming to help you get in touch with your spiritual side, and “The Reading,” which includes a card reading to point you in a positive life direction.
2. The BodyHoliday
Location: St. Lucia
Cost: from $665/night/person for two guests all-inclusive
Move Your Body: You’ll find no shortage of fitness activities at this all-inclusive resort. Opt for a range of group fitness classes from spin to aqua aerobics to Pilates. Or, better yet, get outside for some fun new ways to break a sweat. The Caribbean resort offers kayaking, guided walks, runs and bike rides, stand-up paddlebarding, tennis, scuba diving and more. You’ll even find beach volleyball, hikes through the rainforest and water skiing on the schedule. The toughest part is figuring out how to fit it all into your vacay.
Relax Your Mind: Beyond the endless outdoor activities and ocean views, the best part of your trip might just be the complimentary daily spa treatments. Book anything from a full-body massage to a facial to an aloe body wrap — all included in your package. Plus, you have the option to squeeze a few yoga and meditation classes into your schedule.
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3. Canyon Ranch
Location: Tucson, AZ
Cost: from $1,179/night/person for two guests all-inclusive
Move Your Body: Boost your basic gym workout with underwater treadmills, racquet sports and more at this world-class facility. Want to spend some QT with nature? Take a hike, rent a bike (lesson included if needed!) or sign up for a bird-watching walk. With each stay, you also get a resort credit to use for an activity of your choosing. We suggest testing your skills on the high ropes challenge course, climbing the rock wall, a golf or tennis lesson or a nighttime hike, complete with star gazing.
Relax Your Mind: Combine movement and meditation with guided walks that help you tune into your surroundings. Or, use your resort credit to sign up for a spa specialty, like an ayurvedic massage or oil treatment. If you’ve been on your feet all day, choose the “sole rejuvenation” massage, which aims to soften your steps. And for something a little more spiritual, sign up for a “astro-gemology” session. It fuses crystal healing with your astrology reading to channel energy and set intentions.
4. Hilton Head Health
Location: Hilton Head, SC
Cost: from $2,850 for a seven-day all-inclusive stay
Move Your Body: Turn your refreshing beach vacation up a notch on the wellness scale. An all-inclusive stay at this southern resort includes unlimited yoga classes offered in several varieties, from gentle to aqua to one that focuses on bone health. Because you’re so close to the ocean, you also have ample opportunity for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and power walks through the sand. What’s more, you get access to fitness classes like cardio boxing, TRX and resistance training. With all the active options, you just might have trouble sitting still.
Relax Your Mind: Practice meditation four days a week at Hilton Head Health, where you can put a resort credit toward spa treatments, including massages, facials and manicures. Another place to get centered: the kitchen. Learn how to turn your favorite meals into healthier options via cooking lessons with the hotel’s chef. Take home the recipes, play some music and have yourself a relaxing meal prep Monday upon your return.
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5. Kalon Surf Luxury Resort
Location: Costa Rica
Cost: from $2,490 for a seven-day all-inclusive stay
Move Your Body: Learn to ride waves in one of the world’s most gorgeous settings. You get daily three-on-one surf lessons at Kalon, where first-timers will learn essential skills and seriously challenge their balance. The resort also offers pre-surf Pilates as a warm-up, as well as at least two traditional Pilates classes per week.
Relax Your Mind: If sitting at the resort’s canopy overlooking the ocean and pool isn’t enough to help you unwind, then your complimentary 60-minute mid-week massage should. The farm-to-table chef also leads a tour of the resort’s greenhouse (where it grows all its produce), complete with a pit stop through the rainforest. It’s the ultimate recipe for relaxation — a stroll outdoors with a delicious, good-for-you meal to follow. You can even do a coffee tasting after with one of the surf instructors (he’s also a barista).
6. Mohonk Mountain House
Location: New Paltz, NY
Cost: from $440/night
Move Your Body: It’s time to try a new snow sport — and we have the most picturesque place to do it. Located just 90 miles outside of New York City, this resort offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating on its breathtaking (and big!) enclosed rink. Outdoors, you’ll trek through wooded paths with stunning views of the Hudson River and the Mohonk Mountain House itself — a Victorian castle worthy of your post popular IG post.
Relax Your Mind: In addition to its award-winning spa and new ultra-moisturizing “ginger rejuvenator” treatment, Mohonk has meditation methods down to a T. Choose from fireside meditations to help you sleep better at night. Or, still get outdoors with a forest bathing session, where you tune into each sense as you walk among the trees.
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7. New Life Hiking Spa
Location: Killington, VT
Cost: from $259/night
Move Your Body: As the name suggests, your getaway will be all about getting onto the trails to soak in the very best of Vermont. With options for beginner, intermediate and advanced hikers, you’ll find a tree-lined walk or climb to fit your fitness level and challenge your skills. You’ll also have the option to go on kayaking excursions or take a strength or bootcamp class. Guests can choose a two- to four-night mini vacation, an 11-night weight loss retreat, or a 21-day wellness-immersive vacation.
Relax Your Mind: Each three-night stay includes one spa treatment. You can opt to work out tense muscles with a deep tissue or hot stone massage, roll out your fascia with myofascial release, or go with a total-body exfoliation treatment. Most schedules also include a morning stretch to prime your body and mind for movement, plus an evening yoga session.
8. Sundance Mountain Resort
Location: Sundance, UT
Cost: from $200/night
Move Your Body: Embrace the winter temps and shred some gnar on the slopes (ski and snowboard passes start at $40 for a night session). Nothing quite compares to skiing the awe-inspiring peaks of Utah, where the mountains are so big, you don’t typically have to worry about long lift lines or crowded descents. Want to see the sights from even higher? The resort also offers alpine zip lining (from $49).
Relax Your Mind: With meditation and yoga classes offered daily, you can find your flow and peace of mind at any time. Book the Journey to Wellness package for an hour-long spa treatment and art classes — an extra chance to tap into your creative side and practice mindfulness.
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9. Sunrise Springs
Location: Sante Fe, NM
Cost: from $205/night
Move Your Body: Start every day at Sunrise Springs with a yoga class and guided hike. Trekking the trails of New Mexico offers unique views of the desert, featuring ancient petroglyphs and sand formations. You can also pick up your pace for trail running, grab a bike for a two-wheel adventure, or make a splash while river rafting. Have more in the tank? Participate in a group fitness class or personal training session to really break a sweat.
Relax Your Mind: Soak in your surroundings — literally — at Sunrise Springs’ private pools and eucalyptus steam rooms. Sit back and relax in the warm waters overlooking tranquil greens, a peaceful setting you can reserve for 50 minutes (from $45). Or, opt for a magnesium-based soak for 25-minutes ($30), designed to help aching muscles and stress relief. Another favorite offered on site: sound baths. Lie down and listen to the tones of crystal bowls to help you reach a meditative state.
10. The Westin Bear Mountain
Location: Victoria, British Columbia
Cost: from $136/night
Move Your Body: A stay at any Westin hotel gives you access to a Run Concierge, who will take out you for a jog or at least share the best routes in the area. (And for just $5, you get a New Balance outfit to borrow if you forgot your workout clothes.) While cityscapes are fun to run, this Westin in Canada also lets you take your stride to the trails. The hotel offers an on-mountain bootcamp or yoga class before taking on a challenging five-mile hike. You can repeat one of the classes at the peak and pre-descent, too.
Relax Your Mind: Because nothing says relax like a little pampering post-workout, unwind after your mountain trek with a massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. This location even offers a relaxation-specific massage to help your mind feel at ease and refreshed by the time your masseuse is finished.
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